10/16/2026
So incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of this ❤️🙏
NEWS RELEASE - October 16, 2026
Athabasca Tribal Council Celebrates the Grand Opening of Sitskaw Park in Waterways - A new cultural gathering place for First Nations, families and future generations in the Wood Buffalo region.
Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is proud to celebrate the grand opening of Sitskaw Park, a new cultural gathering place in Waterways that will keep First Nations culture, language, teachings and traditions alive for generations.
Located along Saline Creek Parkway and the Clearwater River, Sitskaw Park is a place for people to come together on the land, share knowledge, honour their ancestors and reconnect with the cultural practices that have always been central to First Nations ways of life.
The name Sitskaw is a Cree word recognizing the area where the Clearwater River flows into the Athabasca River; two incredibly important Rivers to the Firsts Nations people of the region.
ATC recognizes the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) for its contribution and support in helping prepare the site and helping bring this gathering place to life.
“Sitskaw Park is about bringing our people together and ensuring our culture is lived, shared and passed on,” said Chief Allan Adam. “Our young people deserve to learn directly from our Elders—on the land, through our stories, ceremonies and traditions. This is a place for families and Nations to reconnect, and for the next generation to know who they are and where they come from.”
Karla Buffalo, CEO of Athabasca Tribal Council, said the park creates space for cultural teachings, healing and connection across the region.
“Sitskaw Park matters because our culture is something we practice, share and carry forward together,” said Buffalo. “It gives our First Nations, Elders, families and youth a place to gather, learn and strengthen connections. We thank the RMWB for helping prepare the site and look forward to seeing it grow through the people and teachings that will fill it.”
The grand opening begins with four days of community cultural programming from October 17 to 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all activities. Soup and bannock will be served for lunch each day, with coffee, tea and jams available.
Four Days of Culture, Connection and Community
• Saturday, October 17 — Community Open House: Smudging, tipi teachings with Gary Boostrom, bison smoking and traditional dry-meat preparation.
• Sunday, October 18 — Walking the Red Road: An introduction to Wellbriety, Elder teachings and a Wellbriety meeting focused on recovery and healing.
• Monday, October 19 — Honouring Our Families: An MMEIP families sharing circle and traditional storytelling, including the Cree Creation Story.
• Tuesday, October 20 — Culture, Protocol & Reconciliation: Moontime teachings, ribbon skirt teachings, land acknowledgements and a tour of the cultural grounds.
Join Us at Sitskaw Park
Parking is available at the Tom Weber Boat Launch. Visitors should follow the signs to the site and be prepared to walk to the cultural grounds. Shuttle service is also available.
Athabasca Tribal Council welcomes community members, families and visitors to take part and help make Sitskaw Park a place of connection, learning and belonging.
Media Contact:
Athabasca Tribal Council
Fred Russell
[email protected]
780-713-6354
